North Carolina Marines sharpen cycle skills

MARINE CORPS AUXILIARY LANDING FIELD BOUGE, N.C. - Marines from Cherry Point, New River and Camp Lejeune participated in the Advanced Rider Track Day Aug. 14, sponsored by Marine Corps Installations East at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue.

The track day is a five-hour advanced motorcycle riding course held monthly and overseen by qualified instructors who observe the riding skills of the participants, provide instruction, and coach riders as they work to improve and enhance their riding abilities.

“It’s a voluntary program,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Bradley D. Vanhorn, a riding coach for the Marine Corps Motorcycle Safety Program. “But we highly encourage it because it’s more advanced than what is taught in the basic program.”

The purpose of the program is to increase the riders’ awareness of their motorcycle’s limits and their personal limits to increase their confidence and safety awareness.

Program participants are selected based on nominations through their command, and the remainder of the spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are also selected based upon prior completion of the required basic riders course and follow-on motorcycle training.

The course is limited to no more than 24 riders and they must provide their own motorcycle, be part of their unit motorcycle mentorship program, provide proof of license, registration and state inspection.

“I like the training a lot,” said Cpl. Caitlin N. Liberson, a line mechanic out of Marine Corps Air Station New River’s Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167. “It has made a big difference in my confidence.”

Motorcycle riders interested in taking the course should inform their chain of command and contact their squadron motorcycle club president to sign-up.